Guyana-born actress Letitia Wright, widely known for her role in the Black Panther movie franchise, arrives in Guyana yesterday. There she received a warm welcome on her return.
At age seven, Letitia Wright experienced culture shock when her family migrated to Tottenham, London, from Guyana.
After a flight from the United Kingdom to Guyana’s Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), Timehri, which arrived at 22:22 hrs, Wright was met with special performances by the National School of Dance, steel-pan music and a personal welcome by the Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce Oneidge Walrond.
But the international star became more emotional as she hugged her father and grandmother who were in the reception team.
Years later, drenched in big shows and receptions abroad, Wright built her career as an actress in tears.
She told the press that when the plane landed, she remembered her last day in Guyana.
In expressing her gratitude for the warm reception, an emotional Wright recalled living in Guyana before migrating to the United Kingdom.
“I said bye to my friends and I came to the airport with my family.”
Wright shared that after checking in, she and her mom missed the flight while bidding farewell to everyone.
“I don’t know why I felt this at the age of eight but I felt that there was something for me to do. And God had a way of aligning everything. But I didn’t know that I would go away for so long. So, as I was landing, I was remembering that little girl and how frustrated she was in not knowing how much she would miss her country and how much she would mean to this country.”
“I just went to the UK and used the opportunity and God aligned me with acting. But he always aligned me with it. I was in my yard in Goed Intent singing Backstreet Boys songs… I would just be singing, dancing and acting, not knowing that God would use that in the years to come to inspire other people…”
“I come from a humble family, humble background and I just used every opportunity that I could to just use my talent for good… So, as you see me, I pray that you’re inspired no matter how old you are, no matter what you want to do… You continue to chase your dreams and you continue to use your talent and gifts for purpose because it’s allowed to travel the world. It’s allowed me to be honoured, it’s allowed me to honour other people and it’s allowed me to bring great honour to my country.”
Wright played the lead role of scientist “Shuri” and now Queen of Wakanda in the Black Panther film franchise. In her role, she won the hearts of her fans across the world as well as in her homeland.
“I’m proud to be Guyanese. I’ve always celebrated the fact that I am Guyanese. I celebrate that more than anything. So, I am just thankful for the welcome… You guys really went above and beyond to show me love and I promise to always honour you and show you love as well.”
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever was a box office success after its release in theatres worldwide last November.
Soon after its release, President Dr Irfan Ali praised the star for her role and wished her a successful career. He also invited her to visit Guyana.
During her stay in Guyana, Wright will visit several locations in Guyana as she meets President Ali and celebrates her success in the film industry.
Among her activities, she will give an inspirational talk to young actors in Guyana. She will also watch her film with a group of Guyanese.